July 2022

Over the past month, we have launched our Volunteer Framework; welcomed Brian Pahlmann to the team; undertaken staff training around Inclusivity; attended the Youth & Junior Champs and been speaking to several of you around plans, challenges and solutions. We are currently in the process of planning a programme of workshops and end of season gatherings with further information due out soon.

In the meantime, here’s a quick round-up of some of the things going on within RYA Scotland over the coming months!

RDO Round-up

There’s lots going on and the team are looking to get out and about over the next couple of months:

East – Georgia Moran

Following a great start to the season, our I am looking to get out and about to meet you all and see the amazing activity taking place across the region this summer. I have visits lined up across the next few months to some of our organisations, but would love to meet with many more. The purpose of these visits is to get a flavour of what is going on within your organisation and to have a conversation about any support you and your committee may need going forward. Please email me if you would like to arrange a visit or chat! 

North – Brian Pahlmann

I am delighted to join the RYA Scotland Participation & Development team. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive thus far, helping me get settled and oriented in the role. I am excited for the opportunities to see more of Scotland, visit the boating communities of the North, and improve lives through boating. I hope to make initial contact with everyone in the region in early July and start my visits soon after. I look forward to meeting you all! In the meantime if you have any questions or queries then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

West – Laura Cowan

I have plans in place during July to visit clubs in the region beginning with Dumfries and Galloway.  In collaboration with Robyn Phillips our Training Development Officer Laura I will be looking at youth and junior opportunities and will visit Solway Yacht Club for some of their cadet week activities.  I am interested to see how the clubs and centres in the area work collaboratively to provide a variety of opportunities for young people in the region, identify any areas where RYA Scotland can support those relationships to grow and develop, and shine a light on examples of good practice within the area which can be shared with other clubs and centres. To arrange a visit or have a conversation please email me!

OnBoard Introductory Festivals & Regional Activity Officers

As discussed in the June 2022 blog, we have introduced two new elements to support the development of new and current junior sailors within our organisations.

The OnBoard Introductory Festivals are taking place in each of the 3 regions on 27th and 28th August with details including how to book here:

These ‘kit-bag’ type events will look to offer a fun environment for individuals who are new to sailing to take part in some coaching and very basic racing. It is an opportunity for them to either travel away from their place of initial learning or a way to access our sport and be signposted to where they can continue. 

We have also appointed Regional Activity Co-ordinators who will provide additional support to small number of clubs and centres, within one of the 3 regions. Their role is to help the organisations deliver fun and quality activity, increase the retention of junior participants, support the planning of future activity at the club/centre and support the sailor’s journey and encourage them to get afloat at the club/centre as well as others within the region. If you would like to have a chat about your junior activity or plans, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Annual Club Census

Thanks to the 38 clubs who have already completed their Annual Census – its great that so many of you have taken the time to submit your data. 

The initial email and the first reminder on this annual health check have gone out so please let us know if you have not received it. The emails have been sent directly to the club via last year’s responder and the main contact that we hold on the RYA system. Your Regional Development Officer has also been copied into the email (initially Liza for North clubs) and are there as a support should you need them. 

Sunday 14th August 2022 is the date we need your information submitted, so we’d advise that you take the next couple of weeks to complete your club census and then it is done!

RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2023

The process for nominating a Club of the year has changed in order to make it easier for individuals to nominate a club. The first part of the process allows individuals to nominate a club they have had a positive experience or connection with – this is required to be submitted by 29th August 2022 – and you do not need to even be a member of the club.

Each RYA Affiliated club who is nominated in this way will then be asked to complete an application form by 19th September to go forward to the overall nomination process.

So, do not be shy and get nominating. Further details can be found here along with the nomination form. 

Free Youth Keelboating Opportunity – 3rd & 4th September 2022

Details for the Youth Keelboating Opportunity that is being held at Port Edgar Yacht Club is now available on our website. This event is linked into a supported opportunity to take part in the British Keelboat League Finals on 30th Sept and 1st October – the Scottish place is fully supported A-Plan Insurance. If you have keelboats at your club it maybe something to get behind and get your young sailors practicing and getting team together!

Further details, including the Notice of Race, are available on our website and so interested teams should ensure that they register ASAP with closing date of 19th August 2022. 

Instructor Course Information

There’s a variety of information on courses and training available for instructors and coaches so why not check out the links to find out more to start your journey -

Instructor Courses:

Information and dates of courses can be found here.

Senior Instructor Courses:

Booking for the next Senior Instructor Courses is now open -

Contact the RYA Scotland Coaching Team for any more information or support.

Win a visit from the SailGP!

Pro sailors return to the UK this summer’s as Great Britain’s SailGP event is being held at Plymouth on 30th & 31st July 2022. There’s an opportunity for clubs to win a visit from a member of the Great Britain SailGP team by holding a watch party around your club activity. So, share your pictures with us using #SailGP and #RYA on Facebook and the best watch party photo will win an exclusive club visit. 

For more information about the SailGP event, including an exclusive RYA member discount please see our website. 

Launch of the Volunteer Development Framework

AND, the new framework was launched at the beginning of June and supported to by three workshops – one in each of the regions (East, West & North), and it was well received and we hope to keep the support and momentum going for volunteers.

We know that volunteers, the recruitment and supporting of individuals is a key conversation with organisations up and down the country. If you would like to know more about our framework, which is just the start of the conversation, then please check out the Volunteer Development Framework on our website or get in touch with one of the team. 

Finally, we have lots of plans to get out and about and to visit several organisations across Scotland over the coming weeks. If you would like us to pop along to your club/centre/organisation or have any questions, then please drop us an email! We hope you to catch up with you all soon!

Take care and stay safe!

The Development Team, aka Georgia, Laura, Brian, Kristy & Liza

06/07/2022